Apple Launches New App Called "Invites" for Creating Custom Invitations

Overview of the App

Apple has launched a new app called "Invites" that allows users to create custom invitations for any occasion. With Invites, users can create and share invitations on their iPhone, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and curate event soundtracks.

Requirements for Creating Invitations

To create an invitation, users need an iCloud+ subscription. However, anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.

Comparison to Existing Apps

The launch marks Apple’s latest instance of "Sherlocking," a service that introduces a new feature or app that offers the same functionality as an existing popular third-party app. In this case, Invites is similar to Partiful, a popular invitation app that was crowned Google Play’s Best App of 2024.

Features of the App

When creating an invitation, users can select a photo from their library or pick one from the app’s gallery. The app integrates with Maps and Weather to give guests directions to the event and to notify them about the forecast for that day.

Participants can contribute photos and videos to a dedicated Shared Album within each invite as a way to save their memories and relive the event at a later time. A collaborative playlist feature lets Apple Music subscribers create a soundtrack for the event that guests can access right from the invite.

Visuals of the App

The app features a visually appealing design, with a focus on creating unique and personalized invitations. The image provided shows an example of an invitation created using Apple’s Image Playground, which allows users to produce original images for invites.

Additional Features

In addition to creating invitations, users can leverage Apple Intelligence’s Writing Tools to compose invitations. Hosts can view and manage their events, share invitations with a link, and review RSVPs. They have the option to select which details to show in an invite preview, such as the event background or a home address.

Guest Experience

Guests can view and respond to an invitation through the app or on the web. Attendees can control how their information shows up to others, and they have the option to leave or report events.

Quotes from Apple

"Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple’s senior director of Worldwide Product Marketing for Apps and iCloud, said, "With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together." He also stated, "Apple Invites brings together capabilities our users already know and love across iPhone, iCloud, and Apple Music, making it easy to plan special events."

Availability

Apple Invites is available for free on the App Store for all iPhone models running iOS 18 or later and can be accessed on the web at icloud.com/invites.